Tim Sherwood defends stopping Jack Grealish from joining England squad

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has defended his decision to ask England not to select Jack Grealish for upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.

The 20-year-old pledged his allegiance to the Three Lions over the Republic of Ireland earlier this week.

It is believed that Roy Hodgson was keen to include Grealish in training next week, but Sherwood wants the youngster to keep working with Villa during the break.

"Jack missed the whole of pre-season," Sherwood told reporters. "During the last international break, he was injured. We'll use this break for him to train and work hard.

"Jack's made the decision because he feels it's the country of his birth and it's right for him. I heard about Jack's decision via Twitter. I wouldn't have had a bet either way on what he was going to do. I'm happy to go along with it - it's his decision to make.

"He's not playing for England unless he's playing well for Villa. That's the same for every player."

Villa will take on Stoke City on home turf tomorrow.